WEST virginia legislature

2023 regular session

Committee Substitute

for

House Bill 3046

By Delegate Dillon

[Originating in the Committee on Education; Reported February 16, 2023]

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §18-2-43, relating to the creation of the Fast Track for Agriculture Education Endorsement Program.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

ARTICLE 2. STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION.

§18-2-44. Fast Track for Agriculture Education Endorsement Program.

1. The State Board of Education shall create a fast-track agriculture endorsement/ certification process for professionally certified teachers of other subjects wishing to obtain an endorsement or certification in agriculture.
2. Any classes taken in this fast-track endorsement and certification shall be considered as continuing education. In addition, these classes may also be considered by institutions of higher education for degree advancement if applicable.
3. The State Board of Education may promulgate rules pursuant to §29A-3B-1 et seq. of this code to effectuate the provisions of this section.
4. The State Board of Education shall prepare an annual report on the summary of the progress of the statewide program to the Legislative Oversight Commission of Education Accountability beginning July 1, 2024.

NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to create the Fast Track for Agriculture Education Endorsement Program in order to encourage current certified teachers to pursue additional certification in agriculture.

Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.